Finally found what I'm looking for???

[HB]

I've been looking into buying a centerfire handgun here for a while mainly as a camping and hunting pistol. Pricing different brands and models and found what I want.... I think $450 for a like new .357/9mm Blackhawk. Seems like a good deal and a fair compromise between hunting abilities and monetary considerations. Versatile I guess. I also have a Ruger Single-Six that I shoot a lot, so it would be nice to have a similar platform to hunt deer and squirrels on! Also, $450 seems like a good deal, am I correct in this regard?

I know .357 is a little light on deer, but I figure I hunt deer with a bow that generates about 70 ft/lbs, why can't a hardcast bullet at 600 ft/lbs take one down. Ranges would be similar and shots will be practiced a lot.

So, is this it?

HB

 

[HB]

Just bought it! $480ish out the door. Looks brand new, cylinders don't even have drag marks. Timing is on, no scratches or wear marks either. I'll tell ya'll how it shoots when I can find some ammo

 

[mnrivrat]

Congrates on your purchase. That should serve your needs for a lifetime.

I am not sure what the gun goes for but the price you mention would seem to be OK . Particulary with both cylinders.

Ammo should start getting easier to find someday soon I hope - still a hit miss at this time.

The .357 is adequate for deer in the manner you discrible - I prefer the .44 mag but have hunted both deer and black bear with the .357 mag. ,and as long as you place your shots well at reasonable distance it will take care of business. I used a hard cast 160 grain SWC in mine for hunting.

 

[PT1911]

how is a .357 light on deer?

 

[SGTB802]

my first 2 deer taken with a handgun was with a 6 inch 357 dan wesson with my handlolads the load was 125 grain remington semi jacket hollowpoints and both rounds passed clean thru ps 1 was at 75 yards and hit bone going in and out i now shoot a 44 just in case of wild hogs

 

[HB]

how is a .357 light on deer?

I agree, but people around here seem to say it's too light for a true "hunting" handgun. Eh, like I said, my bow can take elk out to 40 yards, no reason it won't take a close deer.
I think the gun will fit my need almost perfectly. I will shoot it this weekend along of course, so I'll try to post a range report with pics. I would have liked to find something with a little longer barrel (it's 4'') but I don't think I'll have too much of a problem shooting it well. Balances and point well, and the sights are pretty good. Trigger could be better, but I'll put about 300 rounds through it before I change anything.

HB

 

[Stainz]

I bought a Ruger 5.5" BH convertible in .45 ACP/Colt as my first real revolver - and sold my Glock 21. Sure, I shot a bunch of my stash of .45 ACPs... but I just had to try a box of .45 Colt 'cowboy' loads. The infection took - soon, I had more SA .45s... then my first DA (A Ruger .454 SRH!). The madness had started. Now, my collection of long guns is nearly gone, my bottom-feeders are gone, and I have nothing but S&Ws. I am more content than ever before... I have what I want and enjoy shooting - and reloading, a new hobby since that first BH, for as well. It all started so innocently - so long ago - a new Ruger convertible... been a while, it was $329 + s/t new... and I was hooked. Be careful.... they are infectious!

Stainz

 

[SwampWolf]

.357/9mm Blackhawk.[/QUOTE

If you could only have one gun (not just handgun), this set-up would warrant serious consideration. Nice revolver, HB. I'm sure you'll like it and the price seems fair to me.

 

[Meeteetse]

I bought a Blackhawk 357/9mm and a 45 Colt/45 acp back in the 1970's, and I still think they are my two favorite revolvers, SA or DA. I have other guns, but the Blackhawks are by far my favorites.

 

[BlindJustice]

Congrats HB, I don't know what RUger offers currently but have been
mildly looking for a Blackhawk .45 COlt/.45 ACP convertible and if the
price for those are simlar to the .357/9mm lUger ONc. seems a good price
for the condition you describe. I think it was an intelligent choice as well
moving up from a similar action. I read that the best all around bullet weight
for hunting with the .357 Mag is the 158 gr. with a good construction bullet

FWIW - I have sort of the same combo with a S&W DA .22 LR and .45 ACP chambered pair of revolvers. I also have a Marlin 1894 in .45 COlt thus
my shopping for a Blackhawk in .45 Colt and .45 ACP. You might sometime in
the future consider a Marlin 1894 in .357 Magnum. The long 20" Bbl. can
make the .357 Mag with it's slow burning mag. powder get a 400-500 FPS
ballistic boost. The marlin with the side ejection lends itself to conventional
scope mounts

Just a thought, enjoy your Blackhawk.

Randall

 

[4fingermick]

I have a pair of 45 Blackhawk Convertibles. Great guns. Always fancied the 357/9milly version. Look after it and a Ruger will see you out easily.

 

[Virginian]

My first centerfire handgun was a 6-1/2" barrel 357 Blackhawk. A lot of guns have come and gone in the 36 years since, but i still have that one, and it still shoots very nicely. I still have the receipt I think, but I remember anyway; $87.50 out the door, brand new. That was just before gas took off... the first time.

 

[SwampWolf]

I still have the receipt I think, but I remember anyway; $87.50 out the door, brand new.

If you want to make a quick ten dollar profit, shoot me a PM...

 

[HB]

Still on the lookout for practice ammo but the Single-Six will suffice until deer season approaches. It is a very neat gun that points well and is strangly similar to the single six size wise. Already had a Lawrence holster lying around and it fits very well.

Thanks,
HB

 

[strangelittleman]

I bought a 6 1/2" Blackhawk .357/9mm convertable at the PX in 29 Palms, CA. way back in 1989.....I won't be getting rid of it anytime soon!